The difference between Calculate and Compute

When used as verbs, calculate means to determine the value of something or the solution to something by a mathematical process, whereas compute means to reckon or calculate.


Compute is also noun with the meaning: computational power.

check bellow for the other definitions of Calculate and Compute

  1. Calculate as a verb (transitive, mathematics):

    To determine the value of something or the solution to something by a mathematical process.

    Examples:

    "'Calculate the square root of 3 to 10 decimal places."

  2. Calculate as a verb (intransitive, mathematics):

    To determine values or solutions by a mathematical process; reckon.

  3. Calculate as a verb (intransitive, US, dialect):

    To plan; to expect; to think.

  4. Calculate as a verb:

    To ascertain or predict by mathematical or astrological computations the time, circumstances, or other conditions of; to forecast or compute the character or consequences of.

    Examples:

    "to calculate or cast one's nativity"

  5. Calculate as a verb:

    To adjust for purpose; to adapt by forethought or calculation; to fit or prepare by the adaptation of means to an end.

    Examples:

    "to calculate a system of laws for the government and protection of a free people"

  1. Compute as a verb (transitive):

    To reckon or calculate.

    Examples:

    "Can anyone here compute the square root of 10201?"

  2. Compute as a verb (intransitive, informal):

    To make sense.

    Examples:

    "Does that compute, or do I need to explain further?"

  1. Compute as a noun (computing, informal):

    computational power

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